A new encampment near the proposed Ring of Fire bridge in northern Ontario is uniting two First Nations. Members of Attawapiskat and Neskantaga are joining forces to protest federal and provincial laws related to resource development.
Together, they are establishing a semi-permanent presence along the Attawapiskat River. Their aim is to reassert Indigenous rights and demand proper consultation before any new development begins in the region.
Leading this initiative is 20-year-old Jeronimo Kataquapit from Attawapiskat. He and his family launched a 400-kilometre river journey in two canoes. They departed on June 16 and plan to reach the proposed bridge site by Saturday.
“This is our home. This is our territory—not just Attawapiskat’s, but every nation nearby,” Kataquapit said during a phone interview while navigating rapids.
The family calls the journey “Here We Stand.” They are sharing updates through social media using a generator-powered Starlink internet connection.
Their protest responds directly to Ontario’s Bill 5 and the federal Bill C-5. Both pieces of legislation aim to fast-track major infrastructure and mining projects. However, critics argue the laws silence Indigenous voices.
Kataquapit believes the bills cannot be fixed. “There’s no way the governments can amend those bills. Get rid of it, then maybe we can discuss other things,” he said.
Meanwhile, members of Neskantaga have flown ahead to prepare the encampment. They have built a dock at the site.
“Our message is simple: no one will cross the Attawapiskat River without our free, prior, and informed consent,” said Chief Gary Quisess.
Neskantaga continues to face challenges. Two months ago, its only nursing station flooded and still remains closed. Additionally, the community has endured a boil-water advisory for over 30 years.
“We live in a third world,” Quisess said.
The Ontario government has proposed three new roads. These routes would connect the highway system to Webequie, Marten Falls, and the Eagle’s Nest mining site. Two bridges over the Attawapiskat River are also included in the development plan.
Kataquapit’s family travels up to nine hours daily, sometimes covering 60 kilometres. However, low river levels have slowed their progress.
“We have to get off the boat, put on our long boots, and drag the boats through shallow areas,” he said.
Before starting the trip, the family held meetings in the community and designed flags for Attawapiskat and local families. They are planting those flags along the riverbanks. Some include handprints and messages such as “Kill Bill 5.”
Premier Doug Ford said Thursday he intends to visit the region this summer. He acknowledged invitations from First Nations leaders.
“Nothing’s better than sitting down, maybe fishing and breaking bread,” Ford said.
Both communities plan to live off the land and river while maintaining their position at the proposed development site.
“The river is a very sacred area. Many of our ancestors are buried along the shoreline,” said Quisess.
